Monthly Archives: May 2012

In addition to the back garden, we also have a front balcony. Now that the garden is well under way, I want to tackle some container planting for it. The first stage of the permaculture design process is surveying: site, … Continue reading →

This week: the first harvest of broad beans from the garden. Two generous and insanely tasty portions eaten with baked sweet potatoes and baked tofu. And a big bowl of fresh green leaves – the lettuces have really liked the … Continue reading →

A quick photo to illustrate why it’s worth keeping tomato seedlings inside (or in a greenhouse) for that little bit longer, rather than just dumping them outside once they’ve grown their first couple of leaves and been transplanted. These are … Continue reading →

We already solved the problem of taking the baby to the allotment (and to lots of other places). This weekend for the first time I managed to get something done while I was there, too, rather than just telling doop … Continue reading →

@katyha (also to be found at Fausterella) linked to this post about managing parenthood and writing, which left me considering my own experiences. Two months into parenthood, I confess that I’m finding it challenging. In theory, Leon takes regular naps … Continue reading →

I have a story in the forthcoming Tales of the City anthology, edited by Philip Purser-Hallard. It’s due out in June, and can be pre-ordered at Obverse Books. There will also be an ebook version, but that can’t be pre-ordered. … Continue reading →

Permaculture isn’t only about the practical; or rather, “practical” covers more than you might think. Permaculture is all about sustainability, and that includes creating environments which are sustainable for humans in respect to all their needs. A garden needn’t just … Continue reading →

I planted most of my broad beans last November/December, in two of the raised beds. One lot were planted in the polyculture winter veg bed, and the second lot in the bed next to it as a block on their … Continue reading →